Military Change of Command Ceremonies

Military personnel participating in formal change of command ceremonies, conveying a sense of tradition, leadership, and responsibility within military ranks.

U.S. Air Force Col. Humberto Pabon Jr., the incoming 156th Wing commander, assumes command of the 156th Wing from U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Paul Loiselle, the assistant adjutant general-air, Puerto Rico Air National Guard, during the 156th Wing change of command ceremony at Muñiz Air National Guard Base, Carolina, Puerto Rico, Oct. 15, 2022. The change of command ceremony took place during the October regularly scheduled drill.

Chief Master Sgt. Allan Lawson accepts the Washington Air National Guard Guidon from Brig. Gen. Gent Welsh, Commander of the Washington Air National Guard during the Change of Responsibility ceremony, Sept. 11, 2022, at Camp Murray. As Chief Master Sgt. Lawson becomes the new Washington Air National Guard State Command Chief, he is replacing Chief Master Sgt. Marvin Boyd who will retire next month.

Air Force Col. Charles Goad, the commander of the 181st Intelligence Wing, greets Chief Master Sgt. Kenneth Bruce, Jr., the 16th Air Force command chief, during Bruces visit to Hulman Field Air National Guard Base in Terre Haute, Ind., Oct. 18, 2022. Bruce discussed various military topics, including National Security Strategy and National Defense Strategy, to help airmen grow professionally and organizationally.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Lee Anderson, right, outgoing commander of the 386th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, relinquishes command and gives the 386th ESFS guidon to Col. John Gustafason, commander of the 386th Expeditionary Mission Support Group, during a change of command ceremony at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, June 16, 2022. Anderson is succeeded by Lt. Col. Tito Ruiz, incoming commander of the 386th ESFS.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Corey Gause, center, hands the 167th Mission Support guidon to Col. Christopher Sigler, 167th Airlift Wing commander, as he accepts command of the 167th MSG during a ceremony held in the dining facility of the 167th Airlift Wing, Martinsburg, West Virginia, Sept. 10, 2022. Col. William Annie, right, relinquished command of the group to assume his new role as 167th AW vice wing commander.

U.S. Air Force Col. Humberto Pabon Jr., the incoming 156th Wing commander, assumes command of the 156th Wing from U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Paul Loiselle, the assistant adjutant general-air, Puerto Rico Air National Guard, during the 156th Wing change of command ceremony at Muñiz Air National Guard Base, Carolina, Puerto Rico, Oct. 15, 2022. The change of command ceremony took place during the October regularly scheduled drill.

U.S. Space Force Col. Miguel Cruz, Space Delta 4 commander, presents the guidon to Lt. Col. Christopher Castle, incoming 13th Space Warning Squadron commander, during a change of command ceremony June 16, 2022, at Clear Space Force Station. Castle was formerly stationed in California as the Plans Branch Chief of the Combined Space Operations Center. The 13th SWS, located at Clear SFS, Alaska, provides strategic missile warning and space domain awareness by operating and maintaining the Upgraded Early Warning Radar. Passing of a squadrons guidon is a tradition and symbolizes a transfer of command.

Tech. Sgt. Darryl Good, 908th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, salutes the commander of the 22nd Air Force, Maj. Gen. Bret Larson, to complete his coining ceremony at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama May 14, 2022. Larsons visit was in part to see the changes to the 908th would need to undertake to prepare for its new flying mission, and to have direct interaction with Airmen.

From right: U.S. Air Force Col. Robert C. Bearden, Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center, Detachment 9 outgoing commander, relinquishes command after handing the guidon to U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Tom Wilcox, Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center commander, during a change of command ceremony on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, July 14,2022. Bearden is responsible for synchronizing installation and mission support of 70,000personnel and 17 wings.

Colonel Catherine L. Cherry receives the NGPEC flag from to Lt. Gen. Jon A. Jensen, director of the Army National Guard, during the National Guard Professional Education Center Change of Command ceremony in Militia Halls Jones Auditorium, June 16, 2022, welcoming Colonel Catherine L. Cherry as the incoming commander and bidding farewell to Colonel Leland D. Blanchard II as the outgoing commander.(Photo by Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Jim Heuston)

U.S. Air Force Col. Calvin Powell, left, vice commander of the 435th Air Expeditionary Wing, passes the group guidon to Col. Jason Chambers, the incoming commander of the 449th Air Expeditionary Group, during a change of command ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, May 31, 2022. During the ceremony, Chambers assumed command of the 449th AEG from Bartlett in a ceremony presided over by Powell.

U.S. Air Force Colonel Charles Bris-Bois, 1st Expeditionary Rescue Group commander, exchanges the 801st Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron guidon with U.S. Air Force Maj. Eric Cranford, 801st EMXS incoming commander, during a change of command ceremony at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, June 30, 2022. A change of command ceremony is a tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility from the outgoing commander to the incoming commander.

Command Sgt. Maj. Mathew J. Selvaggio, senior enlisted advisor, Area Support Group-Kuwait; Maj. Gen. Michel M. Russell Sr., commanding general, 1st Theater Sustainment Command; and Col. Charles S. Lockwood, commander, ASG-KU, pose for a picture following an awards ceremony where Lockwood received the Legion of Merit medal, at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, July 15, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Col. Jeremy Renken, the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing deputy commander, and Maj. Bradley McNamara, the 378th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander, furl the 378th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron guidon, during a squadron inactivation ceremony, Nov. 29, 2022, at Prince Sultan Air Base. The 378th EMXS officially combined with the 378th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, to better posture PSAB for future operations.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Roy W. Collins, left, Headquarters U.S. Air Force director of security forces and deputy chief of staff for logistics, engineering and force protection, recognizes Maj. Thomas Uhl, right, 422nd Security Forces Squadron commander, during a visit to Royal Air Force Croughton, England, May 23, 2022. Collins and Chief Master Sgt. Donald S. Gallagher, 20th Security Forces career field manager, visited RAF Croughton to present the 2021 Air Force Best Small Security Forces Squadron to the 422nd SFS.

AUSTIN, Texas The Texas National Guard Counterdrug Task Force held a Change of Responsibility Ceremony to transfer authority from outgoing Army Lt. Col. Erika Besser to incoming Counterdrug Coordinator Air Force Lt. Col. James Cobb on May 6, 2022, at Camp Mabry in Austin, Texas. The Texas Counterdrug Task Force has supported federal, state and local law enforcement to detect, interdict, and disrupt drug trafficking, manufacturing, and use throughout the state for more than 30 years.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Evan Pettus, incoming 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) commander, accepts the guidon from U.S. Air Force Gen. Mark Kelly (left), commander of Air Combat Command, assuming command 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, 22 July 2022. Maj. Gen. Pettus becomes the 102nd commander of 12th Air Force.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jason Sharrer, 270th Air Traffic Control Squadron, was coined by the Oregon Adjutant General, Major General Michael Stencel, Apr. 4, 2023 at Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls, Oregon. Sharrer was recognized for managing his section while the shop leadership was deployed ,as well as assisting a fellow wingman who fell ill during a TDY.

Col. Bradley Weast (left), 39th Medical Group commander, passes the guidon to Lt. Col. Amanda Davis, incoming commander of the 39th Healthcare Squadron (HCOS), during a change of command ceremony at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, June 1, 2022. During the ceremony, Lt. Col. Damian Pardue, outgoing commander of the 39th Healthcare Squadron, relinquished command to Weast, who then charged Davis with leading the 39th HCOS. The change of command ceremony is a long-standing military tradition that represents the formal transfer of command from one officer to another. Davis previously served as the 60th Medical Readiness Flight commander for the 60th Medical Support Squadron at Travis Air Force Base, Calif.

Brig. Gen. Thomas Vickers gives Capt. Ali Ahmed Alhada his graduation certificate. Alhada, along with fifteen others, graduated from the Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) Foundation Course on May 27, 2022 at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. He and the others will work to combat sexual harassment and assault in their units and the Army.

Maj. Macharia Davis assumes command of the District of Columbia National Guard Joint Force Headquarters - Higher Headquarters Detachment, during a Change of Command Ceremony at the D.C. Armory, Feb. 4, 2023. The ceremony symbolized the transfer of command between outgoing commander Maj. LeJuan Strickland and incoming commander Maj. Davis. Brig. Gen. Leland Blanchard, commander, D.C. National Guard Land Component Command (LCC) presided over the ceremony. Air National Guard

The Air Force Research Lab Detachment 15 guidon is furled during an inactivation ceremony at Kihei, Hawaii, May 26, 2022. After two decades of conducting research and operational missions, the detachment transitioned to the Space Force as the 15th Space Surveillance Squadron.

U.S. Air Force Gen. Mark Kelly, commander of Air Combat Command, coins Tech. Sgt. Haley Rankin, a weapons assistant NCO in charge for the 225th Air Defense Squadron, for her superior performance during a visit to the Western Air Defense Sector, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, Dec. 4, 2022. Rankin championed exercise Operation Noble Skyware where she spent three days proving high frequency radio distance capabilities which reached 21 nations and placed WADS in the top 100 agencies that participated.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Tyrell McClora, left, senior enlisted leader of the 386th Expeditionary Medical Group, presents the 386th Expeditionary Medical Squadron guidon flag as Col. Clinton Wilson, left, commander of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing, and Lt. Col. John Stubbs, the incoming commander of the 386th EMDS, unfurl the 386th EMDS guidon flag at the base theater at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, May 30, 2022. The 386th EMDG was deactivated and redesignated as the 386th EMDS.

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Kenneth Huff shakes hands with U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Stuart Baggett inside the community center auditorium at Gulfport Combat Readiness Training Center, Gulfport, Mississippi during Southern Strike 2022, April 23, 2022. Southern Strike 2022 is a large-scale, joint and international combat exercise, which features counter insurgency, close air support, non-combatant evacuations, and maritime special operations.

Headquarters Detachment, Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center held an award ceremony for Annual Training 2022 at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Mississippi, August 5, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Ralph Foshee, the commander of the 968th Expeditionary Airborne Air Control Squadron, relinquishes his command to Col. Robert McAllister, the A2/3/5 director assigned to the 378th Air Expeditionary Wing, during the units inactivation ceremony on Sept. 29, 2022, at Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The 968th EAACS flew its last sortie, until reactivation, in AFCENTs area of responsibility on Sept. 23, 2022. The Panthers accomplished their mission but will be back again when needed.

U.S. Army Col. David R. Hatcher II, left, commander of the 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT), Hawaii Army National Guard, passes the unit colors to the incoming commander, Lt. Col. Joshua A. Jacobs , right, of the 29th Brigade Support Battalion (BSB), 29th IBCT, during the 29th BSB change of command ceremony in Kapolei, Hawaii, Jan. 6, 2024. The change of command ceremony is a time-honored tradition within the Army which commemorates the relinquishment of command by passing the unit colors from the outgoing commanding officer to the incoming commanding officer.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. John Hewitt, technical inspector, 15T, for Delta Company, 3rd Battalion, 142nd Aviation Regiment, Assault Helicopter Battalion, attached to 36th Combat Aviation Brigade, Task Force Mustang, 36th Infantry Division (right), receives congratulations from Col. Scott P. Nicholas, commander of Task Force Mustang, while receiving his Certificate of Achievement as the brigade's "Hero of the Week" during a command and staff meeting held at Task Force Mustang headquarters, Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Oct. 19, 2022. Hewitt was recognized for his performance as a key leader in UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter Blade Folding Teams, responsible for preparing Army helicopters for shipment by U.S. Air Force assets in the Middle East. His leadership and dedication is reflected in the numerous academic and hands-on training exercises he required of all his team members, resulting in preparing aircraft for shipment in less than two hours while conforming to U.S. Air Force regulations.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Roy W. Collins, left, Headquarters U.S. Air Force director of security forces and deputy chief of staff for logistics, engineering and force protection, and Chief Master Sgt. Donald S. Gallagher, right, 20th Security Forces career field manager, recognize 422nd Security Forces Squadron Airmen during a visit to Royal Air Force Croughton, England, May 23, 2022. Gallagher and Collins visited RAF Croughton to meet and recognize the 422nd SFS Airmen.

U.S. and multinational Soldiers assigned to various units within U.S. Army Europe and Africa footprint, celebrate graduation ceremony from the Basic Leader Course (BLC) at the 7th Army Noncommissioned Officer Academy in Grafenwoehr, Germany, March 30, 2023. The 7th Army NCOA trains U.S. and multinational Soldiers using the BLC curriculum from the NCO Leadership Center of Excellence.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Barry Cornish, outgoing 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) commander passes the guidon to U.S. Air Force Gen. Mark Kelly, commander of Air Combat Command (left), relinquishing command 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, 22 July 2022. Maj. Gen. Cornish was the 101st commander to lead 12th Air Force.

Master Sgt. Anthony S. Alvarez accepted the Blanchfield Army Community Hospital Medical Troop Battalion colors from the BACH Medical troop commander Lt. Col. Les Patterson, during a troop battalion Relinquishment of Responsibility ceremony in the hospital atrium, May 20, 2022 , at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Alvarez assumed BACH Troop Sergeant Major responsibilities from Sgt. Maj. Brian Hawkins. Prior to the Relinquishment of Responsibility, they conducted an awards ceremony and induction into The Order of Military Medical Merit.

Col. Joe Ratliff, outgoing Eastern Sector commander, hands the unit flag to Col. Megan Stallings, USMEPCOM commander, during the Eastern Sector change of command ceremony June 23 at USMEPCOM headquarters in North Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Israel Molina)

Lt. Col. Zachary Spotts, right, outgoing 4th Force Support Squadron commander, passes the guidon to Col.Tammy McElhaney, 4th Mission Support Group commander, during the 4th FSS change of command ceremony at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, June 17, 2022. The passing of the guidon marks the official end of Spotts tenure as commander of the 4th FSS.

Col. Jade Beehler, commander of the Wisconsin Army National Guards 64th Troop Command, shakes hands with Lt. Col. Seth Kaste after awarding him with the Meritorious Service Ribbon during a formal change of command ceremony for the Wisconsin National Guards 54th Civil Support Team Oct. 7 at the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Madison, Wis. Kelly assumes his new assignment as administrative officer and rear detachment commander for the Wisconsin Army National Guards 157th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade. Incoming commander Lt. Col. Seth Kaste now leads the unit he previously served in. The 54th CST is the states full-time response team for emergencies or terrorist events that involve weapons of mass destruction, toxic industrial chemicals or natural disasters. The unit is designed to rapidly deploy, assist local first-responders in determining the nature of an attack or hazardous materials scenario, and provide medical, communications, technical support and advice. Wisconsin Department of Mi

Lt. Col. Al Knapp, commander of the 914th Maintenance Group, passes the 914th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron guidon to Lt. Col. Jessica Denzer, the new 914th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander, during an Assumption of Command Ceremony April 23, 2022 at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, New York. Passing of the guidon dates back to the 18th Century and signifies the assuming command, responsibility, and trust appointed to the position in the presence of the entire unit.

U.S. Army Spc. Jennifer M. Sanchez, Property Book NCO, 92Y, for Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 36th Combat Aviation Brigade, "Task Force Mustang," 36th Infantry Division (right), is accompanied by Command Sgt. Maj. Robert W. Hartzog, command sergeant major of Task Force Mustang, while receiving her Certificate of Appreciation as the brigade's "Hero of the Week" during a command and staff meeting held at Task Force Mustang headquarters, Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Sept. 28, 2022. Sanchez, a native of Nacogdoches, Texas, was recognized for her stellar performance and administrative excellence in overseeing quality control measures for the brigade's monthly inventory audits.

Lt. Col. Damion Hoitzclaw, the deputy commander of the 380th Expeditionary Operations Group, passes a guidon to Lt. Col. Braden Coleman, the new 380th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron commander, during a change of command ceremony May 6, 2022 at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates. The 380th EOSS executes air tasking orders for joint air operations, supports the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing's priorities and executes its mission while maximizing Airmen readiness and excellence.

U.S. Air Force Col. John Gustafson, commander, 386th Expeditionary Mission Support Group, presents Maj. Angela L. Petersen, outgoing commander, 386th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron, with the Meritorious Service Medal during a change of command ceremony at the base theater at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, June 13, 2022. Under her command, Petersen oversaw a 845-vehicle fleet and the movement of 35 million gallons of petroleum products, 79,000 passengers and 87 million pounds of cargo on 11,000 missions annually.

From right: U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Brian Fitzpatrick, outgoing 375th Security Forces Squadron commander, receives the Meritorious Service Medal from Col. Jason Glynn, 375th Mission Support Group commander, during the 375th SFS Change of Command on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, June 21, 2022. Fitzpatrick held multiple security forces positions throughout his career such as flight commander, nuclear convoy commander, chief instructor and operations officer and a Major Command staff officer.

The 482nd Fighter Wing held a change of command ceremony at Homestead Air Reserve Base, Florida, Dec. 4, 2022. During the ceremony, Col. David Castaneda relinquished command of the Wing to Col. Joshua Padgett.

U.S Air Force Master Sgt. Darryll Harlan with the 168th Air Support Operations Squadrons, Illinois Air National Guard, poses for a portrait at the 182nd Airlift Wing in Peoria, Illinois, April 2, 2023. Harlan was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for Outstanding Service.

U.S. Air Force Col. John Gustafson, right, outgoing commander, 386th Expeditionary Mission Support Group, relinquishes command of the 386th EMSG and gives the guidon to Col. Clinton Wilson, left, commander of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing, during an inactivation ceremony at the base theater at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, June 22, 2022. Under his command, Gustafson led 1,300 personnel across six squadrons that provided combat service support and base defense to 6,000 joint service and coalition personnel.

U.S. Air Force Col. Calvin Powell, left, the 435th Air Expeditionary Wing vice commander, awards the Legion of Merit medal to Col. Daniel Kobs, 409th Air Expeditionary Group commander, during a change of command ceremony at Nigerien Air Base 101, Niamey, Niger, May 28, 2022. During the ceremony, Kobs relinquished command of the 409th AEG to Col. Kevin Lee.

Capt. Marco Lara (left), company commander, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Special Troops Battalion, 1st Theater Sustainment Command, presents Staff Sgt. Justin Parker, staff movements noncommissioned officer, 1st TSC, with the Army achievement medal during Blackjack training on Fort Knox, Kentucky, May 26, 2022. Parker was recognized for his contributions to the unit.

U.S. Air Force Col. Jason Chambers, stands at attention before the audience after assuming command of the 449th Air Expeditionary Group, during a change of command ceremony at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, May 31, 2022. During the ceremony, Chambers assumed command of the 449th AEG from Bartlett in a ceremony presided over by Powell.

U.S. Air Force Col. Adam Shelton, 505th Test and Training Group commander, left, takes the 605th Test and Evaluation Squadron guidon from Lt. Col. Carly Sims, 605th TES outgoing commander, Hurlburt Field Florida, July 28, 2022. The 605th TES conducts operational tests, including cybersecurity assessments, as well as tactics development and evaluation of upgrades to systems. The 605th TES also provides support for developmental testing and various other major command and joint special projects.

Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael Grinston (third from left) shakes hands with Spc. Isai Reyes-Quiroz, AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopter repairer, Alpha Company, 1-3rd Attack Battalion, 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, while Sgt. Brandon Guzman, signal support specialist, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1-3rd Attack Battalion, 12 CAB, observes following the conclusion of the SMA town hall at Adazi Military Base, Latvia on May 2, 2022. 12 CAB is among other units assigned to V Corps, America's Forward Deployed Corps in Europe that works alongside NATO Allies and regional security partners to provide combat-ready forces, execute joint and multinational training exercises, and retains command and control for all rotational and assigned units in the European Theater

MWD Lisa is awarded an Army Commendation Medal by Lt. Gen. Theodore D. Martin (right), commanding general for the U.S. Army Combined Arms Center and Fort Leavenworth. MWD Roy had been assigned to the 67th Military Police Detachment and had served 9 years.

U.S. Air Force Col. William Hunter, 81st Training Wing commander, congratulates Master Sgt. Jonathan Talley, 81st Security Forces Squadron logistics superintendent, on being one of Keesler's first Dragon University Airmen to receive a patch inside the Bay Breeze Event Center at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, April 6, 2022. Dragon University is the 81st Training Wing's Professional Development Incentive Program. The program is led by the Keesler Air Force Base career assistance advisor, and is supported by the Total Force Development Council, Chief's Group, Company Grade Officer Council, Top III and the 5/6. After completing the program, each Airman will receive a patch for military members and a pin for civilians.

Leadership from the 142nd Operations Group (OG) and the Operations Support Squadron conduct a redesignation ceremony, changing the Operations Support Flight to the Operations Support Squadron (OSS), Sept. 9, 2022, Portland Air National Guard Base, Oregon. During the Ceremony the guideons were switched out to visually represent the change from Flight to Squadron. 142nd OG commander, Col. Aaron Mathena, plans to continue growing the OSS to be the most it can be. Currently the squadron is comprised of 40 members but the intention is to expand it to 50 in the near future. The function of the OSS is to provide training and development, planning, scheduling and to manage life support activities in support of flying operations.

Graduates from the Community College of the Air Force receive their diplomas at a graduation ceremony at the Nevada Air National Guard Base, Reno, Nevada, Jan. 7, 2023. The ceremony was held here in the Wing Auditorium.

U.S. Marines from Marine Air Control Squadron (MACS) 4 accept a plaque in recognition of their selection for the Edward S. Fris Award, awarded to the C2 Unit of the Year, presented by Maj. Gen. Eric Austin, the commanding general of 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), during the Marine Corps Aviation Association (MCAA) awards luncheon at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Futenma, April 5, 2023. The MCAA awards are presented annually to individuals and units that represent the best of the best in Marine Corps aviation, rewarding operational readiness and technical ingenuity throughout the service.

U.S. Air Force Maj. Angela L. Petersen, center, outgoing commander, 386th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron, relinquishes command of the 386th ELRS and gives the guidon to Col. John Gustafson, left, commander of the 386th Expeditionary Mission Support Group, during a change of command ceremony at the base theater at Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait, June 13, 2022. Under her command, Petersen oversaw a 845-vehicle fleet and the movement of 35 million gallons of petroleum products, 79,000 passengers and 87 million pounds of cargo on 11,000 missions annually.

Maj. Gen. Mark McCormack, left, commanding general, 28th Infantry Division, presents Maj. Gen. Mark Schindler, Pennsylvania's Adjutant General, with an artwork depicting 28th ID Soldiers in action and the Flight 93 memorial to commemorate 20 years since 9/11 and the beginning of the Global War on Terror on April 28, 2022, at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Wigberto Quiles, the commander of the 191st Regional Support Group, Puerto Rico Army National Guard, gives a reenlistment certificate to U.S. Army Master Sgt. Cristobal Colon, assigned to the 191st RSG, at Camp Santiago Joint Training Center, Salinas, Puerto Rico, July 19, 2022. More than 120 service members volunteered to continue their commitment to serve in the Puerto Rico Army National Guard.

U.S. Army Sgt. Emilie Kellogg was promoted from Corporal to Sergeant. Sgt. Kellogg serves as the Operations NCO for 35th Infantry Division Command Sgt. Maj. Steven Stuenkel.

Lt. Gen. Stephen N. Whiting, Space Operations Command Commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Jacob C. Simmons, Space Operations Command Senior Enlisted Leader, visited the 268th Security Forces who defend and protect Clear Space Force Station, Alaska. Whiting and Simmons listen and talk with the SFS members to better understand their operations and well-being at Clear SFS. The Clear SFS members provide strategic missile warning, missile defense, and Upgraded Early Warning Radar as an integral part of deterrence in support of Homeland Defense. Clear SFS is home to Arctic Airmen, and Guardians assigned to the 13th and 213th Space Warning Squadrons and 268th Security Forces, providing 24/7 missile warning, missile defense, and space domain awareness.

Col. Christopher Robinson, incoming 39th Mission Support Group commander, receives the guidon from Col. Jason Gingrich, 39th Air Base Wing commander, during a change of command ceremony at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, June 14, 2022. The change of command ceremony is a long-standing military tradition that represents the formal transfer of responsibility from one officer to another. Robinson previously served as the 16th Air Force director of communications at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas.

U.S. Army Master Sgt. Charles W. Douglas, outgoing Senior Enlisted Advisor (right) passes the unit colors to Col. Deon D. Maxwell, commander (left), both with U.S. Army Medical Materiel Center-Europe, during a assumption of responsibility ceremony, Sep 15, 2022 in Kaiserslautern, Germany. Master Sgt. Andrew R. Colburn assumed responsibility from Douglas.

U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Ryan Messer, 332d Air Expeditionary Wing commander, exchanges the 332d Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron guidon with U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Lee R. Russell, 332d EXMS incoming commander, during a change of command ceremony at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, July 3, 2022. A change of command ceremony is a tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility from the outgoing commander to the incoming commander.

The 109th Air Control Squadron commander Lt Col Chris Bilderback relinquished command to Maj Joshua J. McCarty during the Change of Command ceremony at Roland Wright Air Base on 11 June 22.

220808-N-DB801-0513MAYPORT, Fla. - (Aug. 8, 2022) -- Gen. Laura Richardson, Commander, U.S. Southern Command, right, speaks with Colombian Navy Cmdr. Miguel Angel Vides Vergara, during a meeting for PANAMAX 2022, at U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command, U.S. 4th Fleet headquarters in Mayport, Fla., Aug. 8, 2022. Exercise PANAMAX 2022 is a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored exercise that provides important training opportunities for nations to work together and build upon the capability to plan and conduct complex multinational operations. The exercise scenario involves security and stability operations to ensure free flow of commerce through the Panama Canal.

Brig. Gen. Edward H. Bailey, left, commanding general of Regional Health Command-Pacific, presents a certificate of thanks to Maj. Gen. Joseph Heck, director, Defense Health Agency Region Indo-Pacific at at the RHC-P regional commander's conference, Aug. 4, 2022. Military treatment facility commanders and staff came from across the Pacific to attend the three-day conference at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. Regional Health Command-Pacific, headquartered in Honolulu, is the most geographically dispersed command in Army Medicine, stretching more than 5,000 miles and five time zones across the Pacific. The command oversees Army medical units in the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, Japan, and South Korea.

U.S. Air Force Col. David Rickards, Space Launch Delta 30 director of staff, retires from the military at a ceremony held on Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., April 22, 2022.

Maj. Jessica Warzecha relinquishes command of the Training Support Unit during a Change of Command Ceremony, April 5, 2022 at Camp Ripley, Minnesota. The incoming commander is Maj. Torin Roth.

Lt. Col. Neil J. Wood, the previous commander of the 380th Expeditionary Communications Squadron, is presented the Meritorious Service Medal by Col. Brian T. Hobbins, the deputy commander of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, during a change of command ceremony August 5, 2022, at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates. Wood oversaw cyber security during the movement of 11 General Atomics MQ-9 Reapers, 12 General Dynamics F-16s and six Lockheed AC-130s in support of evacuations out of Afghanistan.

U.S. Army Warrant Officer Giuli Iommazzo, Human Resource Technician, 44th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, takes a group photo at the Bordentown National Guard Armory, New Jersey, Oct. 13, 2022. Iommazzo was promoted to Warrant Officer after being enlisted in the Army as a Sgt. 1st Class.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Barry East, the noncommissioned officer in charge of health information systems assigned to the 36th Healthcare Operations Squadron, receives the Linebacker of the Week Award from U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Paul Birch, commander of the 36th Wing, and U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. John Payne, the command chief of the 36th Wing, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Oct. 5, 2022. The Team Andersen Linebacker of the Week recognizes outstanding enlisted, officer, civilian and total force personnel who have had an impact on achieving Team Andersens mission, vision and priorities.

Col. Adam T. Dietrich, outgoing commander of the Mission Command Support Group (MCSG), 88th Readiness Division, receives the MCSG guidon from Command Sgt. Maj. Sara E. Buhr, senior noncommissioned officer of the MCSG before relinquishing command at the change of command ceremony at Fort Snelling, Minn., Nov. 20, 2022. The passing of the guidon is a tradition where the outgoing commander symbolically relinquishes command by passing the guidon to the incoming commander.

Lt. Col. Melissa Tennant, incoming 39th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron commander, receives the guidon from Col. Bradley Weast, 39th Medical Group commander, during the change of command ceremony at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, June 1, 2022. The change of command ceremony is a long-standing military tradition that represents the formal transfer of responsibility from one officer to another. Tennant previously served as the Orthopedics and Rehabilitation flight commander at the 59th Surgical Operations Squadron, at Joint-Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas.

U.S. Air Force Col. Steven Thomas, the wing vice commander of the 182nd Airlift Wing, Illinois Air National Guard, retires in Peoria, Illinois, April 30, 2022. Thomas served in the role for five years.

Maj. Gen. Maria B. Barrett (left), NETCOM Commanding General congratulates Staff Sgt. Charles Gipson (right), NETCOM G1 Operations and Command Programs NCO. Gipson received the Purple Heart on 15 April, 2022 for wounds he received in action during an Iranian missile attack while forward deployed to Al-Asad Air Base, Iraq in January of 2020.

502nd Air Base Wing held an honorary commanders hail and farewell ceremony, March 31, 2023, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. This program promotes mission partner relationships between Joint Base San Antonio and the 502nd Air Base Wing and community leaders throughout the city of San Antonio and surrounding areas.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Jason Shaffer, 56th Fighter Wing command chief, coins Thomas Maynard and Jenni Thomas, honorary commander inductees, during a ceremony, Oct. 14, 2022, at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. There were 66 civic and local leaders inducted as part of the class of 2022.

Capt. Jonathan Edwards, Charlie Company, 98th Signal Battalion commander, and 1SG Dae Min, Charlie Co., 98th Sig Bn first sergeant, joined their Soldiers at the Paige Field House on Camp Pendleton January 6, 2024, to conduct a deployment ceremony with families coming to support their Soldiers. Pursuant to a presidential executive order, Charlie Company, 98th Expeditionary Signal Battalion, was ordered to federal active duty in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, sending them to the Middle East.Col. (P) Marlene Markotan, 335th Signal Command deputy commander, Col. Patrick Hughes, 505th Signal Brigade commander, and Lt Col. Josha Fields, 98th Signal Battalion commander, were on hand to give a farewell messenger and thank the families who came to support their loved ones.It should be remembered that the United States is still sending American service members into harms way and that these troops will be serving their country with honor. Capt. Edwards, who is a seasoned officer, will lea

011201-F-3329S-065. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FREEDOM 2001 Base: Landstuhl Army Regional Med Cntr Country: Germany (GER)

Adm. Charles Richard, left, U.S. Strategic Command commander, presents the Joint Meritorious Unit Award to Gen. Anthony Cotton, right, Air Force Global Strike Command commander at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana on May, 18, 2022. The JMUA was awarded to AFGSC in recognition of the commands efforts and achievements during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Airman 1st Class Joel Denham, 168th Maintenance Group, 168th Wing received the Alaska Domestic Emergency Ribbon upon returning home from assisting communities affected by the remnants of Typhoon Merbok in Nome, Alaska, Sept. 30, 2022. The Alaska Joint Task Force members removed more than 180,000 pounds of debris and logged more than 3,000 work hours across 32 communities. (Alaska National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey)

The winners from the 20th Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) Best Squad Competition, 48th Chemical Brigade, pose for a photo during the awards ceremony at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, July 14, 2022. The 20th CBRNE Commands Best Squad Competition and Best Warrior Competition is a single event used to select the best Noncommissioned Officer of the Year and Soldier of the Year from Soldiers within the command and its major subordinate commands.

Army General Daniel R. Hokanson, Chief of the National Guard Bureau, exchanges salutes with Airman 1st Class Kenneth Regis, a member of the New York Air National Guards 106th Rescue Wing Maintenance Group after presenting him with a challenge coin during a visit to the wing at F.S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton Beach, New York on Nov, 5, 2022. The 106th Rescue Wing Airmen are trained to conduct search and rescue missions in combat environments.

U.S. Air Force Col. Matthew Reilman, 17th Training Wing commander, presents Senior Airman Gregory Lim, 17 Security Forces Squadron patrolman, a promotion certificate during the Staff Sergeant Release Party at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, Sept. 1, 2022. Only 21% of 46,000 Airmen were selected for promotion to the rank of staff sergeant.

U.S. Air Force Col. Jason Kulchar, 17th Training Group commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Valerie Nededog, 17th TRG senior enlisted leader, present the 315th Training Squadron Student Leader of the Month award to Airman 1st Class Sonny Haqauni, 316th Training Squadron student, at Goodfellow Air Force Base, Texas, September 26, 2022. Haqauni worked hard for his award and has shown his dedication to his squadron and the training he received at Goodfellow.

Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman Ramon CZ Colon-Lopez, greets Sgt. Maj. Enrique Hernandez, Honduras Air Force command advisor, during a base visit Aug. 9, 2022, at Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras. The SEAC spoke with the base at an all-call, provided two professional development opportunities, joined a physical fitness session, toured key units on post including the Medical Element, the 1-228th Aviation Regiment, the 612th Air Base Squadron and met with Army Forces Battalion soldiers. The focus of the visit was to meet with enlisted, discuss the importance of U.S. military and partner nations professional development and provide an open forum of discussion with Soldiers, Airmen and Marines.

Col. Blaine Baker (left), 97th Air Mobility Wing (AMW) commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Kevin Osby, senior enlisted advisor for the Army and Air Force Exchange Service, laugh together while at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, August 3, 2022. During his visit, Osby was shown the 97th AMW mission brief and had an open discussion with base leaders.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Olivia Korte, right, renders her initial salute to Col. Erik Dunn, 673d Mission Support Group commander, during the 673d Force Support Squadron change-of-command ceremony at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 18, 2022.

Col. William Liess, 108th Operations Group commander, left, receives the guidon from Lt. Col. Kristopher Szymczak, right during a change of command ceremony held in the 108th Operations Group auditorium at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., Sept. 22, 2022. Lt. Col. Sharon Gilliland assumed command of the 150th Special Operations Squadron from Szymczak who served as commander since October 2020.

Headquarters Detachment, Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center held an award ceremony for Annual Training 2022 at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Mississippi, August 5, 2022.

A U.S. Air Force member smiles as he receives his newly-earned Air Assault badge during graduation day of a U.S. Air Assault course at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa, on Sept. 9, 2022. Over 200 students participated in the 12-day course held at Camp Dodge, which trains service members in sling load operations and rappelling. Cadre from the Army National Guard Warrior Training Center at Fort Benning, Georgia, traveled as a mobile training team to teach the course.

Command Sgt. Maj. Terrence D. Reyes Jr., outgoing command sergeant major for 1st Aviation Brigade, stands for a photo with Col. Richard P. Tucker, 1st Aviation Brigade commander, and Robert C. Doerer, acting deputy to the commanding general at the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence, after receiving the Honorable Order of Saint Michael - Silver award at Fort Rucker, Alabama, December 2, 2022.

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass, recognizes an airmans contributions to the Air Force and global strike missions at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., May 19, 2022. Bass also visited several units across the installation and recognized various outstanding Airmen.

Col. Elizabeth Somsel, 7th Medical Group commander, passes the guidon to Lt. Col. Jeanae Jackson, incoming 7th Healthcare Operations Squadron commander, during a change of command ceremony at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, June 27, 2022. Jackson takes command of a squadron that consists of two flights: Physical/Occupational Therapy, and Primary Care, which focuses on caring for Airmens dependents.

220718-N-TP834-2002U.S. Space Force Lt. Gen. John Shaw, U.S. Space Command deputy commander, greets Air Commodore Nicholas Hogan, Australian Defence Space Command space capabilities branch director general, at USSPACECOM headquarters, Peterson Space Force Base, Colo., July 18, 2022. During his visit, Hogan briefed USSPACECOM senior leaders on the current state of the Australian Space Architecture Working Group. Operating interchangeably with key allies and partners, USSPACECOM continues to generate a greater degree of space power to advance national interests and support the rule-based international order.

Indiana National Guard Brig. Gen. Dan Degelow, incoming 38th Infantry Division commander, passes the division flag to Command Sgt. Maj. Jeff Schuster, division command sergeant major, during a change of command ceremony at the Cyclone Division Armory in Indianapolis, Jan. 22, 2023. The passing of the colors indicate the trust and loyalty they will share leading the unit. (Indiana National Guard photo by Sgt. Kelsea Cook)

Col. Brian Moore, left, 51st Maintenance Group commander, presents Maj. Anna Jung, 51st Maintenance Squadron incoming commander, the 51st MXS guidon during the 51st MXS change of command ceremony at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, May 23, 2022. This act marks the official beginning of Jungs command as the 51st MXS commander.

Left, U.S. Army Cpt. Winstina E. Roberts, 529th MP Company, gives the sword to Pv2 Robert Torres, 529th MP Company, during the Armys 247th Birthday, June 14, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jacob C. Johnson, incoming commander, 191st Air Refueling Squadron, receives the guideon from Col. Douglas E. Foster, commander, 151st Operations Group, at a change of command ceremony June 12, 2022 at Roland R. Wright Air National Guard Base, Utah. Change of commands are rooted in rich military history which allows subordinates to witness the formality of command change from one officer to another.

Col. Michael F. Kloepper, 173rd Airborne Brigade commander, presents Sgt. Eric Garcia the Army Commendation Medal during the Commander's Ready and Resilient Council Warrior Recognition ceremony on Caserma Ederle, Vicenza, Italy, Oct 31, 2022. Garcia was chosen by his command to be recognized for his efforts with the 173rd sponsorship program. ( U.S. Army photo by Spc. Semaj Johnson)

U.S. Air Force Maj. Matthew Rockwell assumes command of the 125th Maintenance Operations Flight during a change of command ceremony held at the 125th Fighter Wing in Jacksonville, Florida, Oct. 15th, 2022.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Timothy Kirchner, center, 422nd Air Base Squadron outgoing commander, prepares to relinquish command to Col. Jon Hannah, left, 422nd Air Base Group commander, during a 422nd ABS change of command ceremony at Royal Air Force Croughton, England, June 6, 2022. The ceremony is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of a units authority and responsibility from one commander to another.

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